IMPORTANCE OF EXHIBITION MERCHANDISE IN JAPAN — AND HOW WE CAN HELP YOU CREATE EXCEPTIONAL GIFTS
How Can we Make Every JPY Count?

THE IMPORTANCE OF EXHIBITION MERCHANDISE IN JAPAN — AND HOW WE CAN HELP YOU CREATE EXCEPTIONAL GIFTS
In Japan, merchandise giveaways at exhibitions and events — often referred to as novelties — can make or break a brand’s presence. A simple but thoughtfully selected gift can elevate your company’s image, attract foot traffic, and even spark long-term loyalty.
One of our team members once returned from a private industry event in Tokyo with a big smile and a few novelties in hand, saying, “Look at this novelty! I’m a fan of that company now.”.
The company had limited attendance at its event, but their giveaway lineup was impressive:
A pen customized on the spot
A stylish branded tote bag
High-quality Japanese tea and sweets
These items were not just free — they were memorable.
And that is the core of what makes a successful novelty strategy in Japan: It’s not the price, but how thoughtful, useful, or surprising the item is.
But...we all know this is a simple nice success branding story but you need to consider more carefully what to give of what quality. We also had some cases where the merchandize simply broke soon after the exhibition and this may give you a bad impression of the brand - a branding disaster..
And even nice give-away, if the visitor goes to several exhibitions, she will realize how many same giveaways she got from each exhibition and now feel like these are pile of garbage..
WHY NOVELTIES MATTER
Here are four key reasons why companies in Japan invest in quality novelties:
Attracting Visitors to Your Booth
Crowds attract crowds. A well-chosen novelty creates buzz and draws people in — including your target customers who might have otherwise walked past.
Encouraging Business Card Exchange
It is customary to ask for a visitor’s business card before handing over the novelty. This simple exchange raises the chances of future engagement.
Raising Brand Awareness
People walking around with your branded bag or using your pen post-event means ongoing exposure. Even after the event, your brand stays visible.
Strengthening Your Brand Image
Memorable novelties generate goodwill and elevate brand perception. With the right concept, they can even turn visitors into fans.
POPULAR NOVELTIES IN JAPAN
When preparing for an event in Japan, it’s important to balance budget with perceived value. Here’s an overview of tried-and-true novelty ideas by budget:
UNDER ¥120 (APPROX. $0.80 USD)
Ballpoint pens: Always reliable, but choose one that feels good to hold.
Sticky notes: Universally useful, both at work and at home.
Pocket calendars: Especially those with extra space for notes.
Bottled water: A welcome refreshment for tired attendees.
Mint tablets: Helpful before and after networking conversations.
UNDER ¥360 (APPROX. $2.40 USD)
Wet wipes or cleaning sheets: Handy and hygienic.
Towels: A consumable item appreciated across all ages.
Notebooks: Always practical — even for kids or family members.
UNDER ¥600 (APPROX. $4.00 USD)
Photo frames: Keep the design simple and tasteful.
Blankets: Very popular in colder months, especially among women.
UNDER ¥1,200 (APPROX. $8.00 USD)
Digital clocks: Useful at home or at the office.
Stainless steel bottles: Great for sustainability-conscious visitors.
UNDER ¥3,600 (APPROX. $24.00 USD)
Mobile chargers: Always appreciated and often reused.
Card cases: Practical and great for organizing business cards.
MERCHANDISE CATEGORIES BY USE
- Office Supplies
- Ballpoint pens, sticky notes, mechanical pencils, notebooks — all reliable and practical.
- Stationery and Desk Items
- Calendars, cleaning wipes, and organization tools.
- Food and Beverage
- Bottled water, mints, and tea sets — small edible novelties also work well in Japan.
- Lifestyle and Interior
- Blankets, towels, photo frames, card holders, clocks, and more.
LET US CREATE THE PERFECT MERCHANDISE FOR YOUR BRAND
Our company offers full-service support for custom novelty creation. Whether you want high-quality tea sets, custom-branded bottles, or uniquely designed stationery, we’ll help you design something that represents your brand, fits your budget, and stands out at your next exhibition or event in Japan.
We understand the culture, expectations, and the emotional value Japanese consumers place on well-made gifts. Let’s create something they’ll remember — and use.
Contact us today to start planning your unforgettable novelty campaign.
who are we? YOUR TRUSTED PARTNER FOR EXHIBITIONS AND EVENTS IN JAPAN AND CHINA
From Vision to Reality — We Bring Your Brand to Life in Japan and China
At our company, we specialize in helping international businesses succeed in the dynamic markets of Japan and China through strategic exhibition and event services that go far beyond the ordinary.
Over the years, we have supported a wide range of clients — from startups to global corporations — in creating a powerful brand presence at trade shows, expos, and corporate events across Asia’s most competitive venues.
What sets us apart is our holistic approach. We don’t just build booths — we build experiences that reflect your brand’s story, values, and ambition. Our services include:
- Creative booth design tailored to the unique expectations of Japanese and Chinese audiences
- Complete booth setup and on-site management, ensuring flawless execution
- Merchandising production that enhances brand recall and engages visitors
- Multilingual local support staff, including native Japanese and Chinese assistants who truly represent your brand
- Event planning, logistics coordination, and cultural consulting to ensure every detail resonates with your target market
We believe that a well-designed booth is more than just a structure — it is your brand’s embassy in a foreign land. It should speak the language, embrace the culture, and leave a lasting impression.
Whether you’re launching in a new market, seeking local partners, or simply aiming to increase visibility, our team is here to make sure you don’t just participate — you stand out.
WHY CHOOSE US?
Proven track record across hundreds of successful events in Japan and China
Deep understanding of local business culture and visitor expectations
A bilingual team that bridges the gap between your vision and local execution
Trusted by technology firms, fashion brands, industrial leaders, and more
Let us help you turn your next exhibition into a milestone in your international expansion journey.
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